National Champions! Team Captures PG&E's First Gas Rodeo Title

In all the years PG&E had competed in the National Gas Rodeo, none of its teams had ever reached the podium — a top three spot. Until now. This past weekend in Florence, Ky., the Yosemite Division team of Brandon Northcutt, Tom Peterson and Kevin Reis won the national title.

Northcutt, a construction operator who has been with PG&E for seven years, said Monday it was still sinking in that his “Hot Tie-In” team had won it all in a competition representing 25 companies from 19 states.

“It was a real genuine moment when we realized what was happening,” he said. "All of a sudden we thought, ‘We’re the only team to have zero penalties.'"

Teams competed in timed events that included meter sets, service installs, pipe cuts and hand digging. Teams were docked for every penalty.

Northcutt said his team had a strategy to avoid penalties by taking extra time if necessary. It was a plan that paid off. Team “Hot Tie-In,” which won the title by a mere 1.8 seconds, was the only team to avoid a penalty the entire competition.

Support from fellow competitors

The best part of the competition was the camaraderie with fellow coworkers, Northcutt said.

“For them to be there with us was cool because they were really supportive,” he said. “Just to hear them cheering and be happy for us was awesome."

The team received plaques and a trophy. Customized World Series-type rings are coming, too.

On Monday, the team got high fives and congratulations when arriving home at their Stanislaus County yard in Salida.

Gas Transmission and Distribution Construction Vice President Kevin Armato offered his congratulations.

“I am so proud of the teams that represented PG&E at this year’s National Gas Rodeo," Amato said. “They put in countless hours to train for the rodeos and to see one of our teams take home the championship — it’s a very special and historic moment for PG&E. While we know it’s not always about taking home a medal, it’s incredible to see their hard work pay off this year.”

Team "Hot Tie-In" weren’t the only team that performed well. PG&E two-person teams “Squeeze Eazy” and “Gas Money" finished eighth and 10th overall, respectively, out of 26 other teams.

PG&E’s four-person teams also were competitive. “Gas Godz” and “Gas Clowns" placed fifth and eighth, while “Methane Maniacs,” first-time competitors from Bakersfield, finished 16th overall out of 21 teams.